[kobernicka]

Hi I am an American and would like to move to another country to live, work and raise my future children. I don't know where to start. Anyone? Input, comments.. If any one has done it would you please share your experience. Thank you

[lawanwadee]

First of all, you must have in mind what country you prefer.. then study immigration laws of that country.

Normally, to obtain immigrant visa can be done if you are qualified..
@ You have family member(s) in that country (father, mother, siblings.. no uncle or aunt, etc.)
@ You have a job offer and the employer is willing sponsor visa for you.
@ You invest certain amount of $$ to start business in that country.
Etc.

[DoulaLC]

Depends on where you want to live. Have you visited any other countries? That would be one of the first steps... finding out if you would even have a desire to live there.

Also, consider the reasons you want to move. Many people find the concerns they have in one country are not much different in another country. Looking at a place through rose-colored glasses doesn't allow you to see the reality of living there.

Once you have a country, or countries, in mind, you will have to investigate what sort of visa you may qualify for. It is not just a matter of wanting to move there. At times you simply may not be able to unless you go as a student, have a work permit (which may require the position being in a job with shortages so they need to hire outside of their own country), as a fiancé or spouse of someone from that country, perhaps one of your parents is from that country, etc.. Some people may go over as a student, meet someone and fall in love, and that is how they are able to remain. Someone else may take a position with their current company and live there on a temporary assignment, meet someone and marry, or get hired into a permanent position within the company so that they can stay. Often times you won't be able to stay indefinitely without meeting certain requirements.

Immigration laws and requirements will vary from place to place. You can look through the various websites each location will have to find out more specifics of how you may possibly qualify to live there, if not as a permanent resident, at least perhaps for a few years.